When did you notice that JT was starting to get interested in riding dirtbikes?
When his brother, RJ, began riding, JT definitely started paying more attention to dirtbikes. Our neighbor refurbished a small dirt bike for his kids but not too long after, his daughter rode it into some bushes and broke her arm. The bike immediately went into the trash, but not for long... and the rest, let's say, is history.
Were you comfortable about JT having a bike at first?
To an extent. We were ok with him riding around the neighborhood but not so much anywhere else. Then, JT started showing up with broken bones- first a wrist, and then a leg injury which he claimed he got got sliding into first base! That stinker. The truth came out years later how he really did it. JT would try to follow RJ through the woods. RJ didn't allow him to go further than their immediate valley, but he would follow anyway. In no time at all he knew the trails like the back of his hand.
When JT started following his big brother around on his RM 60, did you think it was going to go any further than trail riding?
We thought it was more or less of a hobby. But they stuck with it even though it was getting to be an expensive one as he and his brother started traveling more for races.
Did you think he'd wind up where he is now?
JT and RJ were totally focused on riding, almost to the exclusion of other things. We had to constantly remind them to keep up with their school work. We knew he was dedicated to the sport, and that he could accomplish anything he put his mind to.
Nobody likes to see their child get hurt on the track- how did you handle that aspect of JT racing?
As far as injuries go, we try to not to think about it. We're pretty laid back people. When he was seriously injured in Kentucky, we weren't told until after he was checked out at the hospital. JT cross-rutted at a high speed and couldn't get straightened out before he hit a root and launched himself into a tree about 15-20 feet up and landed down a hillside. Thankfully, Andy Shea saw it happen or who knows how long it could have been until someone found him. The paramedics thought he broke both of his femurs and air-lifted him to a Cincy hospital. Luckily, it was just some really bad deep muscle bruises, but he couldn't really walk well for a few days. So I guess it was good nobody told us what actually happened until afterwards. It also helps to have an orthopedic surgeon as a family friend! We have to admit, we're happy with this stage of his career. Now he's riding more for fun and less competitively. After all, JT is a daddy now.
You have to be pretty proud that JT and Gretchen now own their own team. When they started thinking about building their own enterprise- what did you think?
We're very proud of JT and Gretchen. When you can turn your passion into a career, that's something special. I wish we could all do that! I have to admire Gretchen too, working a full time job as well, as being team co-owner. She has two careers, three counting being a mom.
So from RM60 to traveling internationally to race to owning his own championship winning team- how often have you been able to travel with the team?
It has been a wonderful experience traveling with the team. We've had the chance to go across the country several times. We've gone to Vegas with the team a couple of times for Endurocross. Our favorite trip was when we started in Denver and took a week to drive back to Columbus for the next race. We drove up through Colorado, into Wyoming and saw Devils Tower, then went into South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, then continued our drive back across to Ohio. We got to see a lot of amazing sites.
Gretchen said you help out a lot at their place since they're on the road all the time- do you get to wear a jersey for lawn maintenance?
(Dad chuckled) I like cutting grass... especially when you can do it sitting down.
JT's taken over a lot of your woods to build an endurocross track, have you been able to help out with that at all?
JT's dad helped JT and the crew build it. We had quite an audience during the whole process, actually. The kids in the neighborhood love the track.They often come over to watch the guys train. Watch out- we may have some future GNCC and OMA hopefuls coming through the ranks soon.
I've heard Gretchen likes to get out there and ride the endurocross track when she gets a chance- I've heard Dad may have a good story about that...
We remember Gretchen's first...and last attempt at riding the track. She was almost airborne over the PA Turnpike! All we can say is thank goodness for fences!
Do you get to come out to any of the races any days?
We try to get to the close races, but with me (mom) still working, it's hard to get to the out-of-towners. We're there in spirit, though and cheer them on from home, we also try to catch the live scoring, but if we miss the race we're always looking up results and waiting for the phone call for the update.
So how do you feel if and when Conner starts racing? He's already got his first bike!
Oh gosh! We aren't even thinking that far ahead.We're just enjoying his cuteness! We wish we could freeze him in time right now.
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